Yesterday I did some research to decide on where to stay in September. We love the N. Ocean Blvd. location of the Dayton House at 2400 N. Ocean Blvd. so I checked all the hotels/resorts that are close by. I called Dayton House first and I told them I was calling them first and I had stayed there many times. I told her that we were on a budget and I wanted to check around some other places. After that I called five more places to compare. These are the results for 5 nights in an oceanfront efficiency. Numbers are all charges including tax.

Dayton House- $705.05

Boardwalk Beach Resort-$713

Camelot-$706

Best Western Carolinian-$655

Patricia Grande-$603

Breakers Beach Resort-$514

Well we chose Breakers, but not just because it was the cheapest. The girl on the phone was the friendliest of all I spoke with. The price we got wasn't the first price she gave me. When I told her I was checking around some other places she offered me a 25% discount if I booked that day and that's what brought it down to $514. She was really the only person I talked to that seemed to want my business. I told her I would call her back and I got on the message board and researched Breakers. We also stayed there several years ago when the kids were little. I was amazed that it was almost $200 less than Dayton House. Breakers also has many more amenities than Dayton House. We have great memories at Dayton House but I guess it's time to move.

The latest reviews I have read about the DH is that it is in need of some upgrades. The reputation of the DH has always been friendly employees and clean rooms, but that can only go on so long. People are eventually going to start choosing hotels with modern features if rates are similar. Eventually they will have to start investing some of the money back into the property. We stayed one night in the DH building located across the street from the main building about five years ago. I expected it to be dated (it was clean), but not as bad as it was. The decor of the room was straight out of the early 80s. I assume the main building is in need of an update too.

Jeff, this supports my theory that customer service is still what it's all about. I can't tell you how many times letters I have written in the past for just this very reason. Additionally, it looks like you got a super deal! Thanks for sharing your results with everyone.

My golf crew has been staying at the Breakers for the last 15+ years! We've stayed in the Paradise Tower since it opened. We found very clean rooms and facilities and great service! We are returning again in October!